Audi A4 Saloon Quattro Tip Tronic

With 349bhp from its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol it feels rapid from 1500rpm, but it’s the breadth of oomph in its mid-range that gives the S4 seemingly effortless pace. It sounds quite throaty, although rivals from BMW and Mercedes have arguably more characterful six-cylinder exhaust notes. Quattro four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox are standard. It’s worth thinking about the 3.0 TDI 272 diesel as a similarly quick but cheaper-to-run alternative.